Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Preface iii
A Future with Hope: Loving Like Jesus
The 2012 Session of the North Carolina Annual Conference opens June 13, under the
banner of our quadrennial theme: “A Future with Hope.” Lay and clergy members
representing, for the last time, the churches of 12 districts in the Conference, will
assemble at the Convention Center in Raleigh.
At the beginning of the quadrennium (2009-2012), the theme was introduced, as we
remembered the word of God, spoken to Jeremiah during a difficult time in Judah’s
history, “For surely I know the plans I have for you . . . , plans for your welfare and not
to harm, to give you a future with hope.” ( Jeremiah 29:11)
Each year we have added an emphasis:
2009 – Learning (from Jesus and his followers)
2010 – Living for Jesus
2011 – Leading to Jesus
2012 – Loving like Jesus
Jesus identified the greatest commandment when asked, “Love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Then with his
characteristic wisdom, he added, “A second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as
yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-38) In his ministry, Jesus compassion was shown to saints
and sinners alike, as he demonstrated who is our neighbor.
As the early Christian community embodied the commandment, observers noticed
the cross-cultural, cross-generational community and exclaimed, “See how they love
one another!” The church experienced growth in numbers. Lives were transformed.
The love of Jesus was extended to the ends of the earth through the arms of his
followers.
Loving like Jesus launched the Christian church in the first century. Loving like Jesus
created a culture of transformation in 18th century England where the vision and
mission of the Wesley’s challenged the status quo of the established church. Loving
like Jesus gave circuit riding preachers the courage and determination to move into
the frontier of American expansion. Loving like Jesus requires no less of us today.
And it is this love that is indeed our hope for the future.
At the 2012 session of the Annual Conference, members will hear the report from
General Conference, elect leaders for the Conference boards, commissions and
committees for the 2013-2016 quadrennium (or similar tenure as defined by the Book
of Discipline), and celebrate the ministry of pastors commissioned or ordained for the
first time as well as, the ministry of others who are retiring, including our Bishop, Al
Gwinn. The Conference will consider plans for congregational vitality and move into
a new structure with 8 districts and new roles for District Superintendents. Let it be
said of the NC Conference, “See how they love one another!”